What does self-love look like?
Here's what it's not...
It's not self-sacrifice.
It's not restriction.
It's not people-pleasing.
It's not overworking.
Self-love is already yours. It's your God self, God consciousness at its most pure. As your spirit navigates life in it's flesh suit, there are obstacles and challenges that get in the way of recognizing what you already know that you are. There is ONLY light, and then there is not-light. You have to let go of everything that isn't light, that isn't spirit, to find the love you have always had for yourself.
So what are the things that get in the way of your light?
Right now, it's a lot. To wake up in this world we are living in, that is constantly traumatizing and unpredictable, is a challenge of itself. JUST EXISTING is hard. Trust me, you're not the only one.
So what do we do in this moment? Go where the love is. Focus your attention on what brings you joy, while using the resources you have to create positive change in the world. One small action - a repost, a call to check in on a neighbor, or lending an ear to someone who isn't navigating something as well - these are all resources that you can lean into, while maintaining the boundaries you need to allow yourself to process and heal your own experiences.
What stops us from loving ourselves enough to establish boundaries that keep us safe? Here are some things that have come up in my work wiht people...
- Being told you're supposed to do something or be someone. That what you are isn't quite good enough.
- Listening to people who tell you that you need to be a better writer, a better cook, a better parent, a better sibling, a better employee.
- Hearing you need to be prettier or thinner or more athletic or more flexible or more...anything.
We have all had experiences in our lives where we doubted our ability to do or be something, that's a part of being human. The difference between a fleeting thought and a belief system is whether we are truly connected to who we are. We are often so busy wearing masks through the roles we play - mother, daughter, teacher, lawyer, wife, mother, provider, caretaker - we don't remember who we are. How can we truly love ourselves if we don't know who we are? That's what I desire to help people figure out. How you can be who you are and not feel apologetic about it...
Speaking of love...
I know it's cliche, but I LOVE Valentines Day. It's not about commercialism or gifts or flowers, but I love a day dedicated to love - for our partners, friends, family - whatever communities you value in your life, that's who you should be celebrating with.
This Valentines Day, The Yinsa team will be on a Catamaran in Samana Bay, privately chartered just for our Return to Love retreat guests. It's also one of our guests birthdays, so we have upped the celebratory vibes.
For me, self-love looks like creating experiences like these for people to REMIND them of who they are. I model what its like to live in what looks like a sea of hate, and never forget who I am. I aim to help people realize that all the noise in the way of love is just noise. None of it is real. We learn to use it as fuel rather than a tool to forget who we are.
If you're on a journey to self love, we have just added a triple room option to our retreat offering in Dominican Republic this February 13-18. We have a studio with a kitchen attached to a double room, so if I have 3 solo travelers who want to save $1,000, this room is a great option. I just recently did a site inspection of the Villa, a full-service compound with THREE kitchens, an infrared sauna, delegated yoga space to which I will be adding Yinsa-branded gear for the FIRST TIME on retreat, and the best part? Walking distance to the beach. I am so excited about this space - that comes with a full-time chef and bartender - and I can't wait to share it with you!
If you still don't have plans for Presidents Day weekend/week, and don't want to celebrate it with your current President, join me in DR. You deserve to get away and spend time with a community of men and women who want to learn to ignore the noise and lean more into love.
Stay tuned for more book club updates, upcoming workshops, and our Cosmic Alchemy course returning in time for the Astrological New Year!
With Love and Gratitude,
Daniele
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